American Victory Ship Mariners Museum

Activity Overview

The American Victory Ship Mariners Museum is a museum within the SS American Victory, a ship that was built in just 55 days in 1945. It was used as a cargo ship in the Pacific during World War II, and later served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Since 1988, this fascinating piece of history has been used as a museum ship in the Tampa area, and is also occasionally used for historical cruises.

If you're looking for an interesting attraction where the whole family can learn and have fun, consider a trip to the American Victory Ship! You'll learn all about naval history and life on a cargo ship from aboard a real-life ship.

Things to Do

• Explore the ship! If you prefer to move at your own pace, pick up a visitor guide and do the self-guided tour, which will lead you through three levels of rooms, including the hospital, the galley, the mess halls, and the steering stations.
• Go on a guided tour of the ship to learn as much as you can about its fascinating history - trained docents will show you around, point out historical artifacts like photographs and uniforms, and tell you stories of those who served on the ship.
• Attend the Kids Ahoy! event, held each Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which invites kids and their families to visit the ship, do arts and crafts, go on a scavenger hunt, and more!

American Victory Ship Mariners Museum Insider Tips

• Check their website to learn more about special events that your family may be interested in attending.
• If you have children over 12 who are students, make sure they bring along a student ID in order to save $2 on their admission price.
• The American Victory Ship Mariners Museum can be a bit tricky to find - check out the detailed directions on their website to help make sure you don't get lost.